Note you have to use their crappy gateways (modem/router/AP) or else. In theory you can use them in bridge mode thus bypassing them having an active AP in your house, etc, but the reality is a bit harder (not getting promised performance, stealth returns to router mode). And if you think you're avoiding those awful yearly calls, there's even more pressure now to switch to them for cellular service, joy.
Are you sure that’s how it works? I know they say ‘compatible Xfinity gateway,’ but in the past that’s included a pretty wide range of third-party modems too—some of the best DOCSIS options out there. From what I’ve seen, as long as you’ve got a newer model with solid DOCSIS support and the right settings, performance is just as good, if not better. Totally agree though—if they’ve changed things and are charging differently now, that’s a big downside. Always better to have root access to the modem. Just doesn’t match how they’ve priced things before, at least in my experience.
Until now it’s been what you say - I’m currently using a compatible cable modem myself. But the new deal demands the use of their hardware unless you pay another $30/month. Part of their justification for what’s effectively a price increase is that they bundle hardware rental and “unlimited data”.
XF Gateway Refer exclusively to the rented combo that is fully remote controlled, from WIFI Password to home motion detection <The other it's just compatible cable modems>
They lock the speed tier too only if you bring your own modem, even if you come in highest tier one,
So they have finally hit there top end price and have decided to lock it in.